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Mold is a natural substance that you can find anywhere. It can be found suspended in the air as spores, but it’s relatively harmless in this form. However, its actual danger lies when it can flourish in indoor environments like your property.
Mold thrives in warm and damp environments. Depending on their species and the conditions present, spores will start germinating as soon as 24 hours after contact with a surface. It can also release new spores into the air as early as a few hours into this process, infecting other areas within your space.
When given the opportunity to proliferate, mold can cause various problems, from structural damage to health problems. However, early detection can help prevent microbial growth from wreaking havoc on your property. This is where a professional mold inspection in Kansas City comes in.
The Dangers of Mold
Mold can quickly form into significant colonies given enough time and under the proper conditions. This process usually begins as early as three days after its initial growth on various surfaces. These colonies will then start to become more visible within three weeks. At this point, it will begin causing significant problems for your property.
One of the biggest problems caused by mold is structural damage. Its most basic function in nature is to help break down organic matter – and it can also do the same to building materials. Whether it’s your walls, paper backing, or insulation, mold will gradually eat away at these materials and compromise their integrity. It can become even more dangerous when it grows on or near your building’s foundation.
Aside from threatening your property’s structural integrity, mold can also be detrimental to the health of everyone in the building. It may have a significant impact on their health — or none at all. However, some people are quite sensitive or allergic to mold. Upon exposure to its spores, it can trigger a variety of symptoms, such as:
- Wheezing
- Stuffy nose
- Itchy eyes or skin
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Fungal infections
Mold exposure can be dangerous for you and your property. However, subjecting it to professional inspection and mold remediation in Kansas City can help you get rid of mold and keep it from doing harm.
Where Mold Resides in Your Home
The entire process of colony formation can occur virtually anywhere. It can be in easily observed places, such as the ceiling or the walls in your hallway, or it can occur in areas less frequented by many, like the basement or storage areas. The following are some of the most common places mold can grow:
- The back side of the drywall
- Wallpaper
- Paneling
- The top side of the ceiling tiles
- Underside of carpets
- Walls around piping
- Behind furniture
- Inside ductwork
- In roof materials
The typical warning signs of hidden mold are the presence of musty smells, recent water damage, or reported health problems by the people on your property. If any of these signs are present, immediately consult professional mold remediation services in Kansas City, MO.
Reasons DIY Mold Removal is Not Recommended
Owing to the dangers of mold exposure, you may be tempted to try out DIY methods of mold remediation in Kansas City. However, experts strongly recommend against doing so because of the following reasons:
DIY Mold Tests Can Be Misleading or Inaccurate
Professional mold inspection in Kansas City involves scientific methods to accurately determine the extent of microbial growth. Without access to the proper tools, these tests may provide false information.
DIY Tests Do Not Involve a Visual Inspection Component
Test kits for home mold tests do not include a visual aspect, a crucial component in professional mold remediation services in Kansas City, MO. Meanwhile, the proper way of conducting these tests requires expertise and experience in knowing what to look for and where.
DIY Remediation Methods Provide a False Sense of Security
Mold remediation in Kansas City gives property owners a sense of security, knowing that mold colonies have been handled correctly. However, using DIY methods may not be able to eradicate mold in the same way, which can be dangerous in some ways.
False Positives Are Possible
Mold spores can be found anywhere. So, DIY mold test kits may yield positive results. However, these may not be an indication of a mold outbreak on your property. The only way to be certain is to conduct a professional mold inspection in Kansas City.
Why Professional Mold Inspection and Remediation is Important
In place of DIY tests, professional mold remediation services in Kansas City, MO, can help protect your property from the dangers of mold. The following are some of the main benefits of professional mold remediation services on your property:
Identify the Source of Mold
Mold is everywhere, but it cannot grow without a source of moisture and warmth. Through their extensive experience in conducting mold inspections, professionals are able to pinpoint the exact location of mold colonies in your property. Additionally, they perform comprehensive checks to locate the source of moisture that makes microbial growth possible, allowing you to stage an intervention immediately.
Comprehensive Assessment and Detection of Mold
Professional inspectors know what to look for and where to look. Armed with professional tools and methods, they understand the right way of performing mold inspections to ensure the complete detection of mold without any false positives or negatives. Hence, they are far more reliable sources of information than DIY kits.
Eliminate Mold For Good
Professional mold remediation ensures the complete removal of mold outbreaks on your property. Professionals use professional equipment like high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuums, temperature detection equipment, and cleaning products to ensure the effective removal of mold. These services can improve indoor air quality, ensure the health and well-being of everyone in your building and protect your property itself from the threat of mold.
Gives You Insight on Mold Prevention
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, there is no way to eliminate mold spores from the environment completely. After all, they are a naturally-occurring substance that can always be suspended in the air. However, the best way to prevent future outbreaks is to eliminate the conditions that enable their growth. To that end, professional mold remediation experts can share prevention tips and provide helpful insights on protecting your property from the threat of mold.
Keep Your Property Mold-Free With Restoration 1
Restoration 1 is a leading mold remediation company in Kansas City. Our mold remediation services help property owners keep their properties free from the threat of mold, providing a true sense of security that only professionals can provide. Get in touch with us today to schedule a free assessment.
